Introduction

Since the subject was first raised by EGATS during the IFATCA ’99 Conference in Santiago, Chile, as the system has evolved SC4 has gradually developed Provisional Policy.

Although few Service Providers whose staff associations are Members of IFATCA have introduced the system, it is now felt that there is sufficient system maturity so as to be able to re-classify the status of the relevant statements in the Manual.

Discussion

For convenience of the discussion, the current IFATCA Provisional Policy is as follows:

IFATCA Manual Page 4126 & 4127:

Note: The current IFATCA Manual as at October 2003 has been found to be incorrect in its nomenclature for the Provisional Policy. There are two instances of para 2.10.6 and the definition of ASMT has been given a sub-para number where following previous house style this should not have been done. Notification of this situation has been made to the relevant incumbent, and the notation quoted in this WP has been amended to reflect what SC4 believes the Manual should state.

In addition to the long established use of ASMT in both the USA and UK, Eurocontrol introduced the system on a trial basis during 2002 at its Maastricht UAC, but it remains (late 2003) in an evaluation phase and the data is used purely on a statistical basis.

The parameters currently used in the alert function are 4.9nm and 600ft, but these have not been finalised.

Unwanted alerts are being experienced, often caused by Military aircraft.

Slovakia were to implement a derivative of the Maastricht system (known as the “Bratislava Model”) during 2003, but it is still being developed and is currently in the testing and installation phase. Resources are short in the former country, and work is expected to recommence in the autumn, after a summer shutdown, with assistance expected to be provided by Eurocontrol but no further details have been provided at the time of preparing this Working Paper.

Slovenia are contemplating the purchase of a system, and are evaluating the options available.

The Netherlands are in the process of developing an ASMT in the guise of Veiligheid Efficiency en Milieu Management Information System (VEMMIS – Safety Efficiency and Environmental Management Information System) that collects separation data as part of the Amsterdam Advanced ATC (AAA) system.

Conclusions

Although some items of new information have been received since the 2003 IFATCA Conference, there has been no indication of the need for amendments to the current policy, nor for any additions.

At the 2003 Conference there was a suggestion that the Provisional Policy was mature enough to be made into Policy Material, but with the impending introduction at two more units, SC4 felt that this was not the right time to make such a change.

However, with a further years’ experience, it may now be an appropriate time for IFATCA to make the change.

Recommendations

That the Provisional Policy stated on Page 4126 & 4127 of the IFATCA Manual, para 2.10 – be made Policy Material as shown hereafter:

2.10. ATM Safety Monitoring Tools (ASMT)

IFATCA considers ASMT to denote a generic ATM Safety Monitoring Tool that extracts ATM system data to detect infringements of parameters predefined within the system itself.

2.10.1. ASMT must be part of a safety management system and shall not be used by management as a punitive tool for disciplinary action.

2.10.2. Except for aerodrome control, the introduction of ASMT shall be preceded by the introduction of STCA.

2.10.3. Implementation of ASMT must be preceded by a clear statement in which its goals are defined.

2.10.4. ATCO’s shall be involved in the definition of the ASMT role.

2.10.5. The criteria used to set up the ASMT must be carefully planned and monitored. Sufficient consideration must be given to restrict false or nuisance reports. (Marrakech 00.C.7, amended Cancun 02.C.1)

2.10.6. The system should not be used as a performance monitor for individual controllers.

2.10.7. Analysis of any derived data should be undertaken by appropriately experienced and trained ATM safety experts.

2.10.8 Data obtained from the system should not be used as a capacity measurement or monitoring indicator.

References

IFATCA Manual.